NEWFANE- Thelma J. Herbert, 95, of White Pine Lane, a lifelong resident, died peacefully early Friday morning, April 5, in the comfort of her daughter’s home following an extended illness.

Mrs. Herbert was born in Newfane on November 26, 1917, the daughter of Wilson and Lillie (Gates) Winchester. She was raised and educated in Newfane and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, class of 1935.

She had worked in the healthcare field as a nurses aide at Grace Cottage Hospital for Dr. Carlos Otis and later with Dr. Robert Backus. She retired from Grace Cottage in 1999 following 40 faithful and dedicated years with the hospital. She thoroughly enjoyed her position at Grace Cottage and was known as a loving and devoted caregiver, fondly known as “Sunshine.”

Mrs. Herbert was a longtime member of the Newfane Congregational Church. Of her leisure time activities, she enjoyed birds, especially hummingbirds, working in her flower garden, going fishing with her husband, needlepoint, and knitting.

On January 10, 1935, in Newfane, she was married to Wilbur Herbert who predeceased her.

Additionally she leaves many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and her lifelong dear friend Betsy Regan, of Brookline. She remained in her home up until her illness with the loving care provided by her great-grandson Johnathan Sargent and his wife Katie.

She was predeceased by two granddaughters, Carolyn Sargent and Margaret Herbert; one brother, Hazen Winchester; and three sisters, Ruby Robinson, Nora Winchester, and Helen Hager.

In accordance with Mrs. Herbert’s final wishes, graveside committal services in Woodlawn Cemetery will be private for the family. There are no calling hours at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Mrs. Herbert’s name may be made to Grace Cottage Hospital, Route 35, Townshend. To sign an online guestbook with messages of condolence to the family visit www.atamaniuk.com.

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